What symptoms do you exhibit when stressed? How do they show up for you?
Often stress shows up in a wide variety of ways: physical, mental and emotional˳
Physical signs include headaches, muscle tension, upset stomach, restless sleep, shaky/sweaty hands, and fidgeting˳
Mental signs include being easily distracted/unable to focus, being more forgetful, having simple issues become exaggerated, and having increased dreaming˳
Emotional signs include irritability, short temper, exhaustion, and an inability to make decisions˳
How can you relieve or reduce your stress?
TIP #1 – Take Charge˳
When you feel in control, you can RESPOND rather than REACT to your environment˳ You feel more empowered and better able to manage what comes your way˳ Begin by looking at what you can control and what you cannot˳
List the things I control in my life˳
List the things that are TRULY out of my control˳
What is my attitude towards the things I control? Toward the things, I don’t?
What stresses can I say “no” to, eliminate, reduce or delegate in my life?
What can I add to my life that will counteract stress? (meditation, workouts, etc˳)
What positive people do I want in my life to support me?
What negative people do I need to spend less time with?
What is most important to me?
Make a list, prioritize, and commit to removing one stressful thing a day!
TIP #2 – Incorporate Exercise˳
Regular exercise is one of the best stress-reduction techniques out there˳ It has multiple stress-relieving benefits:
IMPROVED HEALTH: “Exercising adds life to your years as well as years to your life” through a lowered heart rate and reduced risk of heart disease; it may also prevent certain types of cancer and will increase stamina˳
IMPROVED MOOD: Exercising causes the brain to release opium-like substances that ease pain and produce a natural high, giving a sense of well-being and comfort˳ It also stimulates the brain to secrete serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which act as antidepressants and improve mood (deficiencies can result in depression, anxiety, impulsivity, aggression, and increased appetite)˳
REDUCED BODY TENSION: Exercising helps relieve pent-up emotions we hold in our muscles˳ Having a relaxed body allows you to sleep better, have more energy, enhance concentration and memory, and quicken your alertness and reaction time, resulting in an overall feeling of well-being˳
CREATE A PLAN:
How can taking charge and exercising affect my stress level?
How do I want to feel after I have planned and exercised-both physically and emotionally?
What can I do to incorporate planning and exercise in my life? (What? When? With whom? For how long?)
GET STARTED TODAY:
Find a friend to exercise with for the recommended minimum of 20-30 minutes a day, 3-5 times a week˳ Working out with a friend helps to provide a plan for regular routine, accountability, and allows for multitasking so you can brainstorm, encourage or share thoughts with a friend while working out˳
Get a personal trainer or join a gym˳ Push yourself to WORK OUT!
Be conscious about exercising˳ Park farther away and walk˳ Take a flight of stairs instead of an elevator˳ Do sit-ups while watching TV˳ Take the dog for a morning walk before you shower˳
All the benefits of planning and exercise impact your ability to be sharper, move faster and feel better˳ Taking time to do this will actually give you more time for the other things you need to do and REDUCE YOUR STRESS!
Source by https://ezinearticles˳com/?Two-Keys-to-Reducing-Stress&id=10203841
